The legal drinking age is lowered to 18. Manitoba becomes one of the first provinces to reduce the eligible age to buy liquor from 21 years of age. During the next decade, all provinces will lower the minimum age to 18 or 19.
Dancing is allowed in all licensed establishments. Venues must provide live music to qualify for a dancing licence. In 1979, Manitoba begins gradually lifting this restriction to allow for recorded music.
Self-serve liquor stores open. The Manitoba Liquor Control Commission (MLCC) introduces modern retail stores that evolve into the Liquor Marts we know today. Manitobans no longer need to write down orders and personal information on a piece of paper so that a clerk can retrieve the product from the back, and there is no more tracking of individual liquor sales. It takes about a decade to convert all stores to the new system.
Licensed premises become more than places to drink
In the swinging ‘60s, bars and supper clubs start to evolve into places of entertainment for both men and women.